Q-Tip Solo Disc So Close To Done

Q-Tip, the legendary MC of A Tribe Called Quest fame and unsung hero of the Beastie Boys Ill Communication album, will finally release his second solo album this fall. Due October 14 from Motown/Universal, the record hits nine years after 1999s Amplified, his solo debut.

"I start the album off with the Obama speech not just because I'm African-American, but because I really feel like he's a fresh new voice and alternative from what we've seen in the political scene in some time," the rapper told Billboard. "I see similarities in his way of thinking and my way. I really like him a lot."

Along with the Obama shout-out, the nine-track effort will also feature appearances from Raphael Saadiq, Norah Jones, and DAngelo. Q-Tip is currently performing solo and with A Tribe Called Quest on the Rock the Bells Tour, which concludes at Washingtons The Gorge on September 6.